assess the rail freight
and rail passenger infrastructure needs in this state;

review the current powers, authorities, and interests the state
had in both passenger and freight rail;

recommend public policies for
state participation and ownership in rail infrastructure and
service delivery, including but not limited to planning and governance
issues; and

develop a rail asset management plan.
The commission shall report their findings and conclusions of this
study to the transportation committees of the legislature by December 1, 2006.”

Stakeholder Input Process

The Commission held two, half-day study feedback/comment sessions
during their August and September Commission meetings in Olympia.

The Commission heard from a vast array of stakeholders during
these sessions, including the ports, shortline representatives, agricultural
shippers, Burlington Northern Santa Fe, Union Pacific, Amtrak, local
governments, Washington State Department of Transportation, Freight
Mobility Investment Board, and others representing many diversified
interests in rail.

The testimony and comments received from the stakeholders during
these sessions was applied to the development of the study’s draft
scope of work. This draft was sent to all of the stakeholders, as well
as State Legislators and the Governor’s Office, for review and
further comment.

The comments received on the draft were incorporated into a final
scope of work that is the focal point of the “Request for Proposal” (RFP)
issued on October 28th.

RFP Scope of Work Highlights – 10 Key Tasks

Task 1: Review the
role of rail in the state and national economy.Task 2: Determine the current status, future plans, capacity constraints
and needs of passenger and freight rail service in the state, including
the interaction between freight and passenger service.Task 3: The major freight-rail-dependant supply chains of the state
will be analyzed as to production, structure, volume and corridor/direction
of traffic, current and future levels of transportation capacity needs,
and current impediments impacting the major supply chains.Task 4: Communications and public involvement in rail plan implementation.Task 5: Investigate and determine the current and expected operating
practices of participants in the rail industry.Task 6: Examination and positioning of the Washington State rail program
in national studies and funding possibilities.Task 7: Develop the conceptual approach underlying the rationale of
state participation in private rail investments.Task 8: Develop a menu of practical policy options, analyzing the full
(private and public) costs and benefits of the alternatives.Task 9: Develop rail asset management plan for state owned assets.Task 10: Summary recommendations and plans for implementation.

Upcoming Milestones

Study proposals were due November 21st.

The Commission will announce
the selection of the successful consultant at their December 13/14
Commission meeting.

The study will commence in January 2006 and will be
completed by December 2006 at which time a final report will be
due to the Legislature.

Throughout the study, the Commission will actively
engage and consult with key stakeholders and interest groups.